Students today are surrounded by opportunities to express their opinions - more so than any other generation. They can reach millions in just milliseconds by the click of a button. Something this powerful should not be treated lightly but can create a world of opportunity and allow the quietest of all students share their thoughts in an almost private way (and by this I mean they don't have to physically talk to share their thoughts).
Journaling would be an ideal way to bring blogging into the classroom. Teacher posts question or prompt, students read at their leisure, think about what they want to respond with, and in just a few minutes have a reply posted so that the teacher and other students can read and reflect on what that student has posted. This is so much better than the old fashioned way of journaling as comments can be posted from other students sharing different viewpoints on the same question or prompt. Journals are no longer "diary-like" and secretive. Our students are so used to sharing their feelings with millions of people with social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. They give up-to-the-minute information on what they are doing, where they are going, and what they plan to do. I know because I am guilty of both reading what people do on my friends list and also posting these kinds of posts on my own Facebook account.
Blogging can also open up the door to further class discussion after the class is over. Students who may not have gotten to pose a question to the teacher, state a comment about the concept, or just make an observation because class time was cut short can now do this as an extension to what was discussed in class. This can then be printed out and used as a study guide for tests, quizzes, homework, and other classroom assessment strategies. This can also benefit students that are absent as they can see what was discussed during the day and even post comments as the discussing is taking place from home. It is almost like a weird version of distance learning.
The possibilities of blogging in the classroom are limitless and with teachers just starting to research how to use this great tool many more strategies will be added. Thinking outside the box will open more and more doors that allow technology - and bloggers - into the classroom.
I was reading your post about blogging being ideal for journaling with limitless possibilities.
ReplyDeleteI have a great idea for a writing assignment for grades 3rd to 12th. The assignment is called "Suggestion Box" blog. The blog will invite students to contribute ideas to make the classroom (or school and community) a better place.
I believe blogging is a showcase for students' work because it formulates published work in a designated location to give students a chance to reflect on the selective information.Students' are able to track their progress with time stamps on posts.
Blogging enhances a lesson because it encourages the student to become a better writer through practice.Students begin to discover expressing themselves is much more easier.
I would encourage your students to tackle one of their specific interests with their blogging. This might make them more apt to share their private thoughts if they could post regularly on something that they enjoy, such as skateboarding, video games, fashion, etc. Instead of it being simply a journal, they could treat it like a regular blog, using it for links, videos, and so on. This would be especially good early in the year as the students got to know one another.
ReplyDeleteFornisha,
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of the "Suggestion Box"! I actually just read an article on Edutopia.com about end of the year surveys and how useful they can be. I am always asking my students at the end of a chapter what they liked and what they didn't, what worked and what didn't. Being a second year teacher now, its interesting to see what works and what doesn't compared to what you think works and what doesn't. A lot of times I am right on the mark, but others sometimes not so much.
AJB
ReplyDeleteI like this idea as well. Why not let students blog about their interests as part of a writing assignment? We as adults are allowed to have blogs, Facebook, MySpace, and all kinds of social networking sites were we can write about what we want. This makes it fun for the student and if it is "fun" then the student is more likely do actually complete the assignment.
I like how you comment on the fact that the school day does not have to end when the school doors close. It can be a continuation of discussion regarding what has been learned at school. It is a great way to build relationships, as well.
ReplyDelete